How Genetic Insights, Aggressive Treatments, and a Dedicated Care Team Drove Her Recovery

At age 48, Cindy G. noticed a lump in her left breast and soon learned it was triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. Her diagnosis, confirmed in August 2018 at Chester County Hospital, brought a surge of fear and confusion, especially as a mother of two high schoolers and a dedicated special education teacher.

Cindy’s team discovered that she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation, significantly raising her risk of a recurrence. This finding shaped her treatment strategy, which began with three months of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to shrink the tumor before surgery. An October MRI showed no remaining cancer, boosting Cindy’s confidence as she continued chemotherapy until January 2019. Finally, on February 8, she underwent a double mastectomy, officially reaching remission.

Despite this success, Cindy wasn’t done. Testing through the Abramson Cancer Center’s SURMOUNT study detected Disseminated Tumor Cells (DTC) in her bone marrow, an early indicator of possible recurrence. Determined to act decisively, Cindy enrolled in the CLEVER clinical trial, which targets these hibernating cells with specialized therapies. Although the trial is ongoing, the knowledge that she is proactively preventing a relapse adds to her hope.

Throughout her battle, Cindy credits her unwavering support system—her husband, teenage children, friends, and school community—and the exceptional care team at Chester County Hospital. She believes remaining optimistic can only go so far without strong medical expertise and nurturing relationships. Reflecting on her experience, she highlights the importance of seeking genetic testing, pursuing the best available treatments, and welcoming emotional and spiritual support to fight cancer from all angles..